Destination Weddings in Valle d'Aosta

Away from the maddening crowds, the northern Italian region of Valle d'Aosta, the smallest and least populated region of Italy, is known for its striking landscapes and historic feudal castles. It is a highly scenic region that provides a picturesque backdrop for a wedding in Italy.

Valle d'Aosta borders France to the west and Switzerland to the north, and most local people are in fact bilingual. Both Italian and French are the officially recognized languages of this region and the cultural influence of Switzerland and Germany can also be felt, through the Swiss-style architecture of many buildings, and the German-based dialects that are spoken in some areas.

Alongside its many rivers and valleys, the Valle d'Aosta region boasts Europe's highest mountains and the largest national park in Italy, the aptly-named Gran Paradiso in the south. The park was established in 1922 when Vittorio Emanuele III, king of Italy, donated his hunting reserve to the state. Covering approximately one sixth of the regional territory, the Gran Paradiso extends from the 4000 meter high mountain of the same name, and its three valleys offer superb skiing and trekking opportunities. The Cogne valley is particularly popular for its botanical garden, the Giardino Botanico Paradisia, which features a wealth of rare alpine flowers. Thousands of wild goats and mountain antelope live within the park.

The capital, Aosta, founded in 25 B.C. by the Romans, is the only sizable town in the region. Cobblestone streets and Roman ruins tell the story of its origins. Mountains rise up on all sides, and Aosta is a good base from which to visit the mountain resorts of Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa and the Matterhorn.

Tourism provides the main source of income for Valle d'Aosta, through winter and summer activities. The numerous medieval castles scattered all over are a major tourist attraction, as well and the town of Saint Vincent, well known for its casino and thermal springs.

The skilled artisans of the area have learned to use the raw materials they have been endowed with to create wonderful wood work, lace, wrought iron and stone together with unique fabrics.

The famous fontina cheese is made locally with the milk of the cows grazing on the pristine mountain pastures; apple and pear orchards produce flavorful fruit.

Surprisingly enough, you find vineyards on the steep, south facing, terraced mountain slopes, from three hundred to one thousand two-hundred meters above sea level, where the soil is rocky and infertile. As a result, these precious grapes at the feet of the Mont Blanc are only harvested by hand! The intense aroma of the wines produced here in small quantity from selected vitigni is the result of high altitude, scarce rainfall and wide temperature differences between day and night, especially when the grapes are ripening.

The obvious very limited production makes these wines so scarce and rare that only the locals and privileged visitors ever get to taste them.

If you are looking for a peaceful and unspoiled region in which to celebrate your wedding in Italy, look no further than Valle d'Aosta. A charming region of great natural beauty, it is a lovely place to get married.